Agbonlahor claims clubs ‘scared’ of Newcastle after Sven Botman news
Gabriel Agbonlahor has claimed Sven Botman is going to make Newcastle United “a better team”.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa striker said that the Magpies can now push on for European places.
On Friday (1 July), Sky Sports revealed the fee for the 22-year-old was around £35million.
The Dutchman penned a five-year deal at St James’ Park.
He joins Eddie Howe’s side from French Ligue 1 side Lille.
The centre-back is Newcastle’s third signing of the summer window.
Agbonlahor suggested the future potential of Newcastle could be the reason Botman chose the English club over AC Milan.
“Teams are going to be scared of Newcastle over the next few seasons.” he told Football Insider.
“Maybe he can see that he’s got a chance of really pushing for European places in the next couple of seasons with Newcastle. Maybe that’s the reason he chose them over AC Milan.
“Botman is great signing for Newcastle, I rate him highly. It’s an area where they definitely needed to upgrade, he’s going to make them a better team and he’s coming to a team where other players have made that step now.
“[Kieran] Trippier has gone there, there’s players that are making this Newcastle step and maybe he wants to be part of the project.“
The centre-back made 32 appearances for Lille across all competitions.
During that time he scored three goals and provided one assist.
In other news, a pundit suggested six Newcastle United players are stopping club from announcing next signing.